$6,027
Though first seen in 1950 as a high trim level for the Mercury Eight, by 1952 the Monterey badge became its own separate, range-topping line. Two years later the Monterey’s cool-but-antiquated flathead V8 was replaced by the new Y-block, Ford’s first ohv V8, an engine that would set the tone in Detroit for decades to come.
Nearly 80,000 Monterey two-door hardtops were made for 1954, though only a fraction of that number were glass top Sun Valleys like today’s auction car.
Though first seen in 1950 as a high trim level for the Mercury Eight, by 1952 the Monterey badge became its own separate, range-topping line. Two years later the Monterey’s cool-but-antiquated flathead V8 was replaced by the new Y-block, Ford’s first ohv V8, an engine that would set the tone in Detroit for decades to come.
Nearly 80,000 Monterey two-door hardtops were made for 1954, though only a fraction of that number were glass top Sun Valleys like today’s auction car.
One of 9,761 made for the 1954 model year, this Monterey Sun Valley is identified by its factory acrylic “glass” roof, a quarter-inch thick slab of green-tinted Plexiglas. In the days before factory air conditioning was common, these cars grew a reputation for being real cabin roasters, though fortunately the auction car has been retrofitted with a modern a/c system, allowing the fabulously airy cabin to be properly enjoyed.
The car appears to be largely stock, excluding raised white letter BFG tires and late 1980s/early 1990s Cragar wheels. Paint appears very similar to two factory colors offered for the year, though it’s difficult to say whether we’re looking at Country Club Tan or Yosemite Yellow.
Script badging spells out Sun Valley along the tops of either front fender, a name cribbed from the eponymous Idaho resort city. Dual exhaust outlets are another custom touch, and hint at mechanical changes under the hood.
Again, the car looks mostly standard inside, though a c. 1990 cassette deck and c. 1980 Buick steering wheel have been fitted, the latter of which is still attached to its original GM tilt steering column. The Buick wheel is well color matched to the two-tone upholstery’s green, which closely resembles a factory option.
Discreet under-dash vents appear to be for the above-mentioned modern a/c system, a welcome addition given the complete lack of factory provisions for any type of shade from the massive Plexiglas roof panel.
This car was originally fitted with a 256ci Y-block V8, but has since been replaced with what looks like a GM small block, most likely a 305 or 350ci unit which may have come from the same car that donated its steering column and wheel. Power should be completely adequate, and probably on par with the Y-block’s factory figure of 161 hp, with the added benefit of vastly better parts availability.
Power brakes and steering are also on view, which in combo with a/c and an automatic trans should make for easy and relaxed cruising.
This car is offered without known history.
1950s Detroit hardtops are some of the coolest cruisers around, even without this one’s poker visor roof and modern conveniences. We want to fill it with gas and drive from Monterey Bay, California to Sun Valley, Idaho, stopping along every scenic vista along the way. Estimated $10,000 - $20,000.
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS
It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.
We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.
Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.
